I have been exceptionally busy with a stretch of design work for Synchro32. We continually innovate and develop and quite naturally some work is more interesting than others. This development has been particularly exciting...
A great deal of customization goes into our system; many customers provide much of the inspiration and demand for ideas and development.
We have never sold a system outside of our industry sector... the software Synchro32 is absolutely in its entirety designed for Metal Casting ...
I am always a little disappointed when a casting manufacturer selects a system outside of the specialized arena as generic is never as good.
Our costs are not an issue, we design our business model to meet the financial constraints of most smaller companies; I think one of the hardest messages we face on a continual basis.. if the price tag of our software is not $100,000 plus It must be inadequate! Wrong, greed nor shareholders constrain us.
Which of course is totally ridiculous but the perception with most products or services is that the higher the cost the better the quality. Sadly, this is too generalized and the interested party should ask..why are so many ERP systems so expensive to install?
Cost does not determine quality...not within our sector. There are some companies and we are one of them who are more interested in the growth and success of the small manufacturer and we do make profit...but excessive profit is not on our daily agenda.
Passion is high and we are driven by our desire to provide the very best system with a standard of support that astonishes our customers and particularly new customers who have never experienced such attention.
It makes me feel good to do what I call wholesome business.
Chris Collins
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Monday, 21 June 2010
Wisconsin Regional 2010 - Oconomowoc - June '10
'Enterprise Resource Planning for Small to Medium Sized Foundries' and the audience although small in comparison to some exhibitions, listened and took the most important message that specific systems designed for your industry far outweigh any of the available generic systems.
The generic systems ie SAP for example are exstremely large by comparison. These systems are designed for the massive general market not for specifics or for the nuturing of relationships.
The opposite is true for totally specific systems, Synchro32 is designed entirely for the casts metal industry, our company is set up to create strong supportive relationships between customer and provider...
In fact how other manufacturers manage with arms length, weak provider relationships is quite difficult for us to comprehend. As the relationship is a key factor in our success...
The second part of our presentation was given by Tom Renk of United Machine...he detailed the benefits they have taken from using Synchro32, the competitive edge and the importance and reliance of the relationship. It was a real pleasure for me to listen to his presentation as we had no idea what he would have to say!
We also exhibited and I have to be honest the attendance was terrible...quite literally there must have been no more than 30 attendees with approx 70 exhibitors. That is worse than poor!
In my talk I praised the AFS (America Foundy Society) it is sad that the industry perhaps do not recognize the value of this very active society. Support is necessary, the AFS bring companies together, enable like minds to meet, discuss share knowledge and experience...
We took a great deal away from the meeting. We had a few people attend our booth and several healthy leads...We are happy with this, could it have been better, indeed yes but benefits are not always obvious immediately. We support the industry and as such we show example with our presence.
As a first our two main competitors Guardian and B&L in the US all got together and we had dinner. Steve Hope of Guradian was kind enough to show us around his home town, detailing some general history and new development. I found this most interesting and his passion for his home town was infectious. We talked over dinner and as we share so much common ground and passion for our industry, why should we not be civil and share?...if countries and aggressors would do the same we would all live in a more caring world. I had a very pleasant evening and I thank them for their time.
My thanks to Tom Renk United Machine and Shane Allen (Synchro) for their hard work and commitment to excellence...
Thanks Guys
Chris Collins
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
Wisconsin 15th - 18th AFS Wisconsin Regional 2010
Wisconsin is here and what a priviledge it will be for me to not only give a presentation but to be the first speaker...at this years event.
The AFS - American Foundry Society is a truly an excellent society/organisation. I hope that they are fully appreciated by the cast metal (foundry industry) I deal with hundreds of foundries and cast metal manufacturers all over the world and there is nothing I have come across that is as well funded and as active.
We have a power point presentation for the presentation and I would like to thank Richy Raine, an important member of our synchro32 team for working with me on this. As with most collaboration there is generally a team or group of people who work hard to make something happen...Thanks Richy.
I will update as we return to our desks, with my thoughts on our time at the regional in Wisconsin.
Chris Collins
The AFS - American Foundry Society is a truly an excellent society/organisation. I hope that they are fully appreciated by the cast metal (foundry industry) I deal with hundreds of foundries and cast metal manufacturers all over the world and there is nothing I have come across that is as well funded and as active.
We have a power point presentation for the presentation and I would like to thank Richy Raine, an important member of our synchro32 team for working with me on this. As with most collaboration there is generally a team or group of people who work hard to make something happen...Thanks Richy.
I will update as we return to our desks, with my thoughts on our time at the regional in Wisconsin.
Chris Collins
Thursday, 25 March 2010
CastExpo '10 - An amazing exhibition
Our Thanks...
We have had an incredibly busy show. With so many people taking the trouble to stop at our booth and talk about software, systems and the Cast Metal industry in general. The world gets smaller and smaller. People from all over the world coming to Florida to the Castexpo '10...they come because the standard of exhibition and the quality of visitors are high.
......Alfred and I.
We thought this would be a good show, but nothing prepared us for the immence interest we had. We talked non stop through the entire 3 1/2 days of the show. Three men all losing their voices...I really enjoy these shows, being with people who are experts, exchanging ideas and knowledge.
We are a big family and all passionate about it.
Metal Matters!
I think the AFS do an excellent job. There is real heart in the organization and it shows. The industry needs their commitment.
Also, my thanks to Alfred T. Spada Editor to Modern Casting for drawing the winning card for a prize draw we offered at the show...and well done to Monarch Industries - Blair Dierckens, our winner.
Modern Casting produce consistenly good quality editorial, every effort made is a step closer to excellence.
We are all responsible for our effort.
Have a great year...
Chris Collins
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Great Companies....
This is turning out to be a very good start to '10.
There is a tremendous amount of activity in the cast metal industry. Buyouts and equity group purchases. Not just one or two...but half a dozen we are involved directly with. Some of our customers who (we know run efficient tightly managed companies) have been approached or have been bought out.
I say this so often but when a 'Good Specfic Production Control ERP System' is recognized as a necessity, installed and run as it should be...the sky is the limit. It is such a powerful tool and it is without a doubt a critical factor in the growth and success of at least all of our customers.
We have not lost a single customer in this recession...or the last for that matter! That says it all. This has been a massive financial crisis. I feel so proud to know that our system - synchro32 is so powerful as to have earned such an accolade.
I have given some thought to the idea of 'Respect'
I was talking to a customer a few days ago and he said...
'You at Synchro have a great system and are well respected for your commitment to the industry'
These are precious words indeed...I have mused over what we as a company hold up as the moral fiber which makes us such a great company. Respect is earned...
A strong moral character, consistency in everything we do and undertake, customer is king, all suppliers are paid quickly, profit is a necessity and so is the distribution of it. Financial support for various Cast Metal bodies. Donations. Care and respect for the Synchro team. ...trust from our customers knowing we will NEVER let then down. Making sure we survive and grow...
There are many factors some small and some big... what I do know is we choose to own and work a globally recognized brand; we ulimately percieve us as having a moral responsibility to provide to the cast metal industry, a system which is the very best in the market place but a wholesome 'touchy feely' company that truly cares about the industry and the good men and women who work within it.
Money does not buy respect or trust. I like that...because it buys almost everything else.
I know we can request anyone of our customers to provide a reference...how many companies do you know can say the same and be sure of a positive response. But, then I know how hard our team work at making sure each user is satisfied. Our internal systems are designed around making this happen.
The Customer is at the core of everything we do...it is not complicated; I see so much poor service, so many companies who work to make their own lives easier...the customer and their requirements are at the tail end...
I am not suggesting that all companies give poor service. But, there is a great deal of improvement needed and room to do better.
Chris Collins -
Eager as ever to create the greatest of companies...with the highest standards attainable.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Software design - keep it simple...
I was asked recently what I considered to be the most important piece of functionality in our software. Given that we at Synchro32 have created and developed a full ERP/MRP application (specifically designed for the foundry industry) this was an interesting question. I’m sure the person asking was expecting an in-depth answer involving production control, scheduling, accurate cost analysis and so on. The answer was far simpler, ease of use.
You may consider that ‘ease of use’ is not a true software function, but as an objective it has to be resourced, designed, and maintained. Now, I am not suggesting that core functionality is unimportant; indeed a piece of software that does not fulfill its intended role is of little use. I suggest that ease of use is arguably one of the most important functions because of its effect on users and data.
Take two systems. The first is all singing, all dancing, and fully functional with all the data input and analysis you could ever want; but the downside is that the user interface is complicated, poorly designed, has no flow, inconsistent entry screens, fragmented menu systems, and so on (I’m sure you have all experienced this type of system). The second system has the same key functions and analytical ability; but it’s easy to navigate, all the screens work in the same way, the menus are arranged intuitively, prompts guide you through more in-depth areas, validation of data is clear, prompts ensure you don’t miss vital information. Now, it’s obvious which system you would you would prefer to work with. But the plain truth is most people don’t value the easier to use environment enough in order to change their systems, and systems designers don’t generally value ease of use enough to change their design methodology. There seems to be a general attitude that if it’s complicated it must be good, expensive yes, difficult to instruct yes, and if it’s also difficult to use its generally seen as user ‘attitude’ that can be adjusted with a managerial kick up the rear...
It may be a revelation for some, but you can have in-depth fully functional software that’s easy to use. There I’ve said it. If systems are easier to use it has far more of an impact upon the quality of data than you would think. We have found that simplifying the user environment encourages users to use the system more, the quality of data is much higher and the availability of more accurate data encourages more informed data analysis which has a knock on effect to the business in general.
In addition to consistency of design there are other key elements to simplifying the user experience. It is important to design software so that it can customize itself to a user’s role. For example designing software for multi-user access is not just a case of allowing more than one user to access the same data at the same time. Take the word processor I’m using right now, it has been designed so that I can access all its functions as and when I need them. It can do many clever things but its primary function is to create documents and it has one user, me. With larger systems like ERP and MRP, there are many functions that are considered independently primary to the multitude of its users. Even with this in mind most software designers do not allow for users to tailor centralized software to the specific needs of the individual. We pride ourselves in making our software fit an individual market, but we also design our software so that our users can further tailor it to the specific requirements of their job.
As far as I can see, anything that makes our jobs simpler, more efficient, and more effective has to be a good thing. The phrase ‘user friendly’ has been loosely bandied about ever since I started in application design over 20 years ago, and unfortunately I think most people don’t really understand what it is until they experience it. I have always insisting on staying in close contact with our customers and actively use feedback to improve our software and services. Unless you are involved in the software industry you may not realize the layers of people involved in your software’s development. Usually the person actually writing the code behind your experience is far removed from its initial requirement and in most cases is ‘interpreting’ your needs (or more likely they are interpreting an interpretation of your needs). The further back the programmers are from the shop floor the more distant the view...
When I’m asked what direction our next generation of systems will take I give the same answer every time, make it simpler, make it easier, and make it more efficient. Note, that this does not include extending functionality. Occasionally we may branch out into an associated area to make data collection and analysis easier or more informed or we may upgrade technologies to meet the latest requirements, but our main functional objectives have already been met. Outside of this all we can therefore do is make our software more widely available and an even more pleasant experience to use.
So, when you’re next asked what you consider to be the most important function of your existing system will you be able to answer its ease to use, and if not what impact is it having on your job and the health of your business?
You may consider that ‘ease of use’ is not a true software function, but as an objective it has to be resourced, designed, and maintained. Now, I am not suggesting that core functionality is unimportant; indeed a piece of software that does not fulfill its intended role is of little use. I suggest that ease of use is arguably one of the most important functions because of its effect on users and data.
Take two systems. The first is all singing, all dancing, and fully functional with all the data input and analysis you could ever want; but the downside is that the user interface is complicated, poorly designed, has no flow, inconsistent entry screens, fragmented menu systems, and so on (I’m sure you have all experienced this type of system). The second system has the same key functions and analytical ability; but it’s easy to navigate, all the screens work in the same way, the menus are arranged intuitively, prompts guide you through more in-depth areas, validation of data is clear, prompts ensure you don’t miss vital information. Now, it’s obvious which system you would you would prefer to work with. But the plain truth is most people don’t value the easier to use environment enough in order to change their systems, and systems designers don’t generally value ease of use enough to change their design methodology. There seems to be a general attitude that if it’s complicated it must be good, expensive yes, difficult to instruct yes, and if it’s also difficult to use its generally seen as user ‘attitude’ that can be adjusted with a managerial kick up the rear...
It may be a revelation for some, but you can have in-depth fully functional software that’s easy to use. There I’ve said it. If systems are easier to use it has far more of an impact upon the quality of data than you would think. We have found that simplifying the user environment encourages users to use the system more, the quality of data is much higher and the availability of more accurate data encourages more informed data analysis which has a knock on effect to the business in general.
In addition to consistency of design there are other key elements to simplifying the user experience. It is important to design software so that it can customize itself to a user’s role. For example designing software for multi-user access is not just a case of allowing more than one user to access the same data at the same time. Take the word processor I’m using right now, it has been designed so that I can access all its functions as and when I need them. It can do many clever things but its primary function is to create documents and it has one user, me. With larger systems like ERP and MRP, there are many functions that are considered independently primary to the multitude of its users. Even with this in mind most software designers do not allow for users to tailor centralized software to the specific needs of the individual. We pride ourselves in making our software fit an individual market, but we also design our software so that our users can further tailor it to the specific requirements of their job.
As far as I can see, anything that makes our jobs simpler, more efficient, and more effective has to be a good thing. The phrase ‘user friendly’ has been loosely bandied about ever since I started in application design over 20 years ago, and unfortunately I think most people don’t really understand what it is until they experience it. I have always insisting on staying in close contact with our customers and actively use feedback to improve our software and services. Unless you are involved in the software industry you may not realize the layers of people involved in your software’s development. Usually the person actually writing the code behind your experience is far removed from its initial requirement and in most cases is ‘interpreting’ your needs (or more likely they are interpreting an interpretation of your needs). The further back the programmers are from the shop floor the more distant the view...
When I’m asked what direction our next generation of systems will take I give the same answer every time, make it simpler, make it easier, and make it more efficient. Note, that this does not include extending functionality. Occasionally we may branch out into an associated area to make data collection and analysis easier or more informed or we may upgrade technologies to meet the latest requirements, but our main functional objectives have already been met. Outside of this all we can therefore do is make our software more widely available and an even more pleasant experience to use.
So, when you’re next asked what you consider to be the most important function of your existing system will you be able to answer its ease to use, and if not what impact is it having on your job and the health of your business?
Monday, 14 December 2009
I missed November's entry...Time waits for no man!
I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
It has been a very busy year for Synchro...so many exhibitions, training, new installations and development. We have done well considering the depth of this recession.
And it is much thanks and effort that I say to our team...a BIG THANK YOU. We work exceptionally hard as a compnay and it is rare that anyone complains or has a winge...I would like to think that we can express how we feel and not worry about any aftermath.
We are growing and doing well...but improvement in all areas of the company must continue...neglecting this is a big mistake. It is the responsibility of each member of the team to keep this in the forefront of their mind. Great companies develop with a great deal of skill, commitment and hard work. We are lean and healthy - this is a result of the knowledge and skill base that each member brings to Synchro every department is an essential part of the whole.
Next year will be a good year...we have alot of business in the pipeline...
Primarily we do what we do because we have an intrinsic responsibility to provide to every customer the ulimate in system design and technical support.
All the best for the holiday...
Chris Collins
It has been a very busy year for Synchro...so many exhibitions, training, new installations and development. We have done well considering the depth of this recession.
And it is much thanks and effort that I say to our team...a BIG THANK YOU. We work exceptionally hard as a compnay and it is rare that anyone complains or has a winge...I would like to think that we can express how we feel and not worry about any aftermath.
We are growing and doing well...but improvement in all areas of the company must continue...neglecting this is a big mistake. It is the responsibility of each member of the team to keep this in the forefront of their mind. Great companies develop with a great deal of skill, commitment and hard work. We are lean and healthy - this is a result of the knowledge and skill base that each member brings to Synchro every department is an essential part of the whole.
Next year will be a good year...we have alot of business in the pipeline...
Primarily we do what we do because we have an intrinsic responsibility to provide to every customer the ulimate in system design and technical support.
All the best for the holiday...
Chris Collins
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